What is Military Neck?
Military neck, or cervical kyphosis, is a condition that is characterized by a loss of the normal curvature of the neck and upper cervical spine. This gradual loss of natural curvature gives people with military neck a “standing to attention” stance and greatly reduces the mobility of the head and neck.
Signs and Symptoms of Military Neck
Patients with military neck can experience great discomfort, dealing with symptoms like neck stiffness, little to no range of head and neck movement, headaches, coordination issues, reduced visibility, muscle weakness, and pain along the neck and extremities.
Each case of military neck will differ in severity and symptoms, with the most severe cases experiencing more extreme symptoms like partial paralysis.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Military Neck
Military neck is, more often than not, a result of issues with vertebrae in the upper cervical spine. Degeneration of vertebral discs (especially as you age) can lead to discs in the upper cervical spine becoming weak and thin.
Over time, this causes the upper cervical spine, and the surrounding musculature, to compensate and bear more of the weight of the head. This often results in a gradual loss of the natural curvature of the neck. The added stress and pressure that is placed on the muscles in the upper cervical spine further exacerbates the underlying imbalances, tightening the muscles in the neck and creating the classic military neck stance.
How Our Treatment Works for Military Neck
Our upper cervical specialist, Dr. Gordon Elder, is an expert in a chiropractic solution known as the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This method prioritizes the identification and targeting of spinal misalignments to restore healthy function to the spinal column.
Dr. Elder employs a two-step approach to treating conditions like military neck. First, patients will undergo a 25–30-minute screening and consultation to determine if a vertebral misalignment could be creating muscle tension in the upper cervical spine. This process involves the use of advanced 3-D diagnostic imaging techniques to determine the exact location of any misalignments in the upper cervical spine.
Following your consult, you’ll receive a brief report on the results of the screening process and have an opportunity to ask Dr. Elder any questions about your spinal health.
Next, Dr. Elder will use a series of low-force adjustment techniques to realign any misaligned vertebrae, thereby allowing the body’s newly engaged healing mechanisms to ease muscle tension in the area and naturally reduce the symptoms of military neck. After the initial adjustment, patients will need to return for regular check-ups to ensure they are making positive progress. Appointments should continue consistently for 3-5 months, with most patients averaging between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder.
If military neck is preventing you from enjoying your life, get in touch today to speak with Dr. Elder about the health of your upper cervical spine. Located in Lubbock, Texas, Blair Chiropractic Clinic also services Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.